Scaling and root planing is the removal of tartar and hard calculus, that is full of bacteria around and below the gum line. A professional polishing removes only the soft plaque that is found above the gum line. This is a method for treating gum disease when pockets form around the teeth and have a measurement of 4 mm or greater.
This procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning; your mouth may be numbed for better comfort. The cleaning may take two or more visits to complete. Depending on the extent of the disease, you may need one or more sections of the mouth to be treated.
This procedure is done:
- To control the growth of bacteria found above the gum line (less aggressive) and the bacteria below the gum line, which is more destructive and aggressive.
- Helps gums reattach and pocket depth is reduced to prevent tooth loss.
- Reduces pain and sensitivity.
- Prevents bleeding.
- Prevents bone and tooth loss.
- Promotes healthy gums and teeth.
Bite Splints
A bite splint is a plastic appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth providing a surface to control how the teeth opposite the splint will hit. With this splint, Dr. Ramos can control the positioning of the jaw and use the splint to reduce force that affects the joints, to relax muscles and prevent further wear on your natural teeth from grinding forces.
Dr. Ramos will determine for each individual patient whether the splint is worn on the upper or lower teeth. Lower splints are used when patients wear them all day and night. These splints tend to be more comfortable, and allow better speech.
Full coverage splints cover the upper and lower teeth. When these teeth are covered, they are “retained” and cannot shift. Due to this case, bite changes are minimized because all of the upper teeth are touching the splint. Patients can wear these splints safely for a long time. Dr. Ramos prefers to use this type of splint.